A study published this month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Imaging shows the value of coronary artery calcium scoring--an imaging technique using CT scanning--in assessing the risk of heart attack.
The researchers found that a positive coronary artery calcium score was associated with an increased risk of dying from coronary heart disease. That risk more than doubled in persons with both a positive coronary artery calcium score and a family history of heart attacks.
The researchers suggested that while coronary artery calcium scoring is not routinely recommended for otherwise health young people, such patients should consider discussing the option with their doctors if they have a family history of heart attacks. Study